Congress News Updates

Lawmakers had been working to pass a measure allowing year-round sales of higher-ethanol E15 gasoline. But the amendment was scrapped Jan. 22, in a blow to ethanol producers and large refineries.

The Republican-controlled House overwhelmingly passed annual funding measures Jan. 22, reversing some of Donald Trump’s most controversial federal spending cuts.

As a government funding deadline looms, congressional leaders are expected to schedule consideration of a fiscal 2026 transportation bill that includes $200 million for truck parking.

The bill would favor a market-based approach by setting up the independent body charged with building a stockpile of critical minerals, stabilizing prices and encouraging production.

The delay from Jan. 14 comes after Ford made objections to the hearing's subject matter, invite list and scheduling.  It was set to take place on the industry and press day of the Detroit Auto Show.

"Only a small handful of members of Congress hold a CDL, and Congressman LaMalfa spoke with pride about being a part of this elite group,” ATA President Chris Spear said.

“We have done hard things before. With this committee’s guidance, and in partnership with labor and industry, we can do them again," Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel told senators.

A group of House Republicans is urging President Trump to think twice about reclassifying marijuana as a less severe drug, pointing to potential harm to the nation’s children and young adults.

Republicans’ plan to fast-track federal approvals of power plants, pipelines and other energy and infrastructure projects passed the House on Dec. 18, sending the measure to the Senate.

Senators are pushing for changes to the NDAA after crash investigators warned the legislation would undo key safety reforms stemming from a collision between an airliner and Army helicopter.